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DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology offers the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree as a secondary master’s program for persons desiring advanced study to enhance their ministries or further education.  Some advanced credits already earned by those with a previous master’s degree, which is required for admission into the Perkins Th.M. program, can be applied toward the Th.M. This means a second master’s degree could be earned with fewer additional hours.

According to Perkins Dean Craig C. Hill, the Th.M. offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore an interest or develop a vision for an innovative ministry.  ­

“In the fall term of 2020, Perkins will offer an advanced course exploring the issues surrounding digital ministries for the first time. Such a course offers a foundation for original research into the practice of this emerging type of ministry,” he said. Additional advanced courses are offered in the fields of Bible, theology and ethics, history, preaching, pastoral care, education, and spirituality.

The program is designed for students to fulfill one or more of three goals:

• Enhancing the practice of ministry through advanced study of a particular theological or pastoral discipline,
• Examining a specific aspect of the Christian religion/traditions or function of Christian ministry, and
• Preparing for more advanced study at the doctoral level.

Some of the advanced credits from the M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S., or M.S.M. program can be applied toward a Th.M. degree. Masters graduates who have received their degrees within the past seven years with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may apply up to 12 credit hours for courses taken at the 7000 and 8000 level to the 24 credit hours required for the Th.M. They would then be able to take as few as nine additional credit hours in advanced level courses and complete a thesis in order to earn the Th.M. The specific credits to be transferred require review and approval for congruity with the overall Th.M. study plan. 

Students who are currently finishing a master’s degree may apply for admission contingent on completing their degree.

For initial inquiries and questions about curricular design, please contact Andy Keck (akeck@smu.edu). For information on transferring prior work and academic requirements, please contact Hugo Magallanes (hugo@smu.edu).